Iceland began as a Pagan country, where Vikings worshiped Norse gods. At the turn of the century in year 999 the Speaker of Icelandic Parliament, or the Althing, had a decision to make with increasing pressure for the conversion of his country to Christianity. Thorgeir Thorkelsson himself was a pagan priest and to avoid civil strife ruled that Iceland would convert to Christianity, but in peaceful compromise Pagans could still practice their religion in private. Symbolically, he threw his idols into Godafoss, translating to: Waterfall of the Gods, where he lived just 2km away from.
The waterfall flows from the fourth largest river in the country that originates deep in the highlands, Skjálfandafljót is 112 miles long.
Pouring over a horseshoe cliff the powerful bubbling waterfall is almost 40’ high and 100’ across.
Located right on the Ring Road between Mývatn and Akureyri, you can take a short and easy walk right up the falls on either side for two different perspectives. The east side has a gas station, restroom, and little restaurant. The view pictured above is from the west parking lot.